Storm activity moves away from Toowoomba

Adam Davies
Brisbane Newsdesk Reporter
I was born in New South Wales and was educated at Sydney's prestigious Scots College.
I have worked both in Australia and United Kingdom for some of the largest newspaper in the two respective countries.
I joined APN as a senior reporter at The Chronicle in Toowoomba in 2010.
The following year I was named APN's Daily Reporter of the Year for my coverage of the 2011 Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley flood disaster.
I currently work at the APN Newsdesk in Brisbane where I cover state politics...

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UPDATE 7pm: Toowoomba appears to have escaped a repeat of yesterday's wild weather this evening, although severe storms continue to sweep towards the Brisbane region.

Despite earlier warnings of possible storm activity in the afternoon and black clouds gathering for a short period, the focus of activity is closer to Ipswich and Brisbane.

Bureau of Meterology senior meteorologist Jonty Hall said there was still a lot of instability in the atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Ergon Energy crews continue to respond to yesterday's series of powerful storm cells that caused about 15,000 customers in the South Burnett and Darling Downs to have their power supply interrupted.

All available crews in the affected areas are working to repair the damage caused by lightning and strong wind gusts, accompanied by heavy rain and in some cases hail.

About 400 customers remain without supply due to faults yet to be rectified on the high-voltage network. Some customers are also without supply due to individual faults on the low-voltage network.

The impact on the Darling Downs has been widespread, with major impacts in the Western and Northern Downs, as well as in outlying parts of the Toowoomba region

EARLIER: About 9000 Ergon Energy customers in the South Burnett and Darling Downs had their power supply interrupted as a series of powerful storm cells passed through the region last night.

All available crews in the affected areas are working to repair the damage caused by lightning and strong wind gusts, accompanied by heavy rain and in some cases hail, but estimated restoration times are not yet available.

The impact on the Darling Downs was widespread, including:

About 1000 customers affected from Miles north through Wandoan to Taroom.

About 700 customers west of Roma to Yuleba, due to a downed high-voltage power line in Wallumbilla.

About 500 customers west of Crows News around Peranga and Quinalow.

About 300 customers around Cecil Plains.

Then the storm cells caused further power supply interruptions as they unleashed on the South Burnett, with more than 5000 customers in and around Nanango, Kingaroy, Proston and Kilkivan impacted.

By 9.15pm, power had been restored to about one third of the affected customers.

Further information will be available via local radio and the Bureau of Meteorology website: www.bom.gov.au.

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The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:35 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Jondaryan and the area west of Oakey.

These thunderstorms are moving towards the north-east.

Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Oakey and Bowenville by 6:05 pm and Haden and the area east of Dalby by 6:35 pm.

Destructive winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

8-10cm hail was reported to the north of Pittsworth from this thunderstorm.

Bureau of Meteorology severe weather warning.

Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:

Move your car under cover or away from trees.

Secure loose outdoor items.

Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.

Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.

Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

The next warning is due to be issued by 6:40 pm.

A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt and parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Maranoa and Warrego and Southeast Coast districts.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Emergency Management Queensland would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.